10 Trends From the 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Onion chips, tomatoes and zucchini in trail mix, and dehydrated broccoli, cauliflower and carrots are among the fruits and vegetables showing up as packaged snacks, said Tom Vierhile, innovation insights director for the Boston-based research fırm Canadean, during a session at the show. Also new on the scene are lupini beans, jicama, seaweed and dried olives as snack ingredients.

Dill pickles have long been a staple in delis and sandwich shops, and with the proliferation of more sophisticated c-store foodservice programs, it’s no surprise that pickles are starting to make their way into that sphere—with a convenient twist. Manufacturers are bringing to market single-serve pickle pouches in a variety of flavors. One example on display came from Freestone Pickle Co. out of Bangor, Mich.

Coconut has long had a beverage presence, and it’s now infıltrating the snack category. Chips, rolls and numerous other coconut-flavored products flooded the show floor, appealing to consumers seeking natural ingredients. One such product, TruCoco Roasted Coconut Chips, is even endorsed by Suzanne Somers. (Sorry, Thigh-Master not included.)

Products with “bark” and “thin” connotations were prominent on the show floor, but these slimmer snacks didn’t skimp on flavor. We saw popcorn and chocolate chock full of fruits, such as cranberries, cherries and blueberries; nuts, including pistachios and almonds; and even seeds.

Perhaps it’s the proliferation of protein, or the renewed focus on better-for-you snacks. Whatever the reason, meat snacks were well represented on the show floor. Manufacturers focused on simple recipe formulation and more artisanal offerings, and further expanded the category with the addition of meat bars and bites.

Call it what you will, but snacks are the new breakfast, lunch or dinner for some busy consumers. Marketers are taking stock and releasing products for those busy, on-the-go shoppers. Products such as toosum bites with benefıts, thinkThin’s portfolio and new Larabar bites all offer satiation with added benefıts such as protein, energy or fıber.

“Chia” is the latest buzzword to hit packaged snacks. Considered a superfood, chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants, fıber and omega-3s, making them an ideal ingredient for snacks targeted to the health-conscious consumer. Meanwhile, manufacturers are keeping pumpkin and sunflower seeds fresh with new and interesting flavors, including sour cream and onion and black pepper.

While consumers may say they want more healthy options, they still want to indulge, and some of the best snacks we saw at the expo combined the two. Pretzels, potato chips,  popcorn, fruit and nuts were either covered in or drizzled with indulgent toppings such as chocolate, white fudge and caramel.

Stroopwafels are baked snacks fılled with caramel or honey sandwiched between waffle-like biscuits. The Dutch treat, meant to soften atop a hot cup of coffee, literally flew to the United States earlier this year when United Airlines began offering the Daelmans brand, now available in several major c-store chains, including 7-Eleven, TravelCenters of America and Wawa. The Belgian Boys also offer stroopwafels in the United States.

Multipacks in convenience stores seem a bit counterintuitive: Convenience customers are usually looking for a single serving for immediate consumption. But moms and dads after lunchbox fare and snackers who can’t decide on one flavor may opt for a variety pack or multipack of their favorite snacks. Some marketers of c-store staples, such as Oberto, are beginning to take notice.